A legacy or planned gift is any gift given for any amount, given for any purpose—operations, capital project, or endowment—whether for current or deferred use by the San Francisco Historical Society, which requires the assistance of a professional staff person or the donor’s advisors to complete.

While the most common planned gift is typically made through a bequest in a person’s will or living trust, there are a range of other options to consider. The following are a few ways to make a planned gift to support the San Francisco Historical Society in perpetuity. Please contact Todd Mayberry, executive director, at Todd@SFHistory.org to learn more about your options.

A GIFT OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Naming the San Francisco Historical Society as primary, partial or contingent beneficiary of your retirement plan is a simple, practical gift idea. Contact your plan custodian for the proper beneficiary change forms.

A GIFT IN YOUR WILL OR LIVING TRUST

A simple charitable bequest can provide very meaningful support for our mission as well as reduce the amount of estate and inheritance taxes paid. Bequests may be specific assets or amounts, or they may be proportional or residual in nature.

A GIFT OF A NEW OR EXISTING LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

Many people have life insurance policies that are no longer needed for their original purposes. Such policies can be given to the San Francisco Historical Society and an income tax deduction can be taken for the cash surrender value. Plus, the annual premiums on a new or existing policy given to the organization irrevocably may also be tax-deductible.

A BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION ON YOUR LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

Without giving up ownership of your life insurance policy, you can still designate the San Francisco Historical Society as a whole or partial death beneficiary. Contact your insurance company for a Change of Beneficiary form.